Do’s and don'ts at a Crash Site
Take a look at what you should or shouldn't be doing in the aftermath of an accident.
As riders, we always strive to do our best to prevent a crash. We buy the best gear we can, ride in a safe fashion and go to the track to satisfy our need for speed. However, the sad truth is that nothing you do will ever be 100 percent enough to avoid a crash. That’s why it is highly important to know what one must or must not do in the event of a crash. These rules are applicable, whether you are riding alone, or in a group.
Do’s
Switch off the engine: In many cases, the motorcycle engine may continue to run even after the crash. In such a scenario, you must first shut off the engine to avoid any further damage to your motorcycle. Do this by simply turning the key to the ignition ‘off’ position.
Get away in case of a leak: If the fuel tank of your motorcycle has ruptured, or fuel is leaking from any other place, get away from the motorcycle. Make sure you warn other people of this too. Fuel can be ignited if it comes in contact with a hot surface. It is best to inform the emergency services in such a scenario, and let them deal with the situation.
Clear debris: If you are able to, make an effort to move debris off the road. This is true especially around corners, where the oncoming traffic will not have a view of the debris scattered on the road. This helps in avoiding a pile-up kind of a situation, where other motorists crash because of the remnants of your accident. However, make sure you don’t come into contact with any hot parts such as the engine or the exhaust. If you are unsure if a part is hot or not, pour some water over it to check.
Medical treatment: It is always advisable to see a doctor after an accident, even if you walk away from one. Injuries sustained at a crash site have the potential of manifesting into a fatal condition at a later point of time.
Don’ts
Try and start the engine: You shouldn’t try and crank the engine if it is already shut until you have had the chance to do a thorough visual examination of the motorcycle. It may often happen that fuel might be leaking or engine oil might have begun leaking out of your engine. You will harm your motorcycle engine, and could potentially cause it to catch fire as well.
Stay in the middle of the road: You will often find motorists who were carrying something valuable with them, looking for it on the road after an accident. Don’t do this. Someone else travelling on the same road might not be able to see you and your diverted attention could mean that you end up in an accident once again. Wait for the police to arrive and cordon off the road before undertaking any such activity.
Remove your gear: If you are injured, don’t remove your gear. You might aggravate the injury in trying to do so. Allow paramedics to do so when they reach the location, or you reach a hospital. This is especially important in case of a spinal injury.
Assign blame: No good will come of assigning blame for an accident. Instead, you should look to offer medical assistance to those in need, and if that is not required, you should focus on preserving your motorcycle.
Read Also: Crash Guards: Additional Protection for Your Motorcycle
